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This is the best trail in Washington to experience a glacier first hand. The trail follows the Carbon River through the forest, over a long cable suspension bridge, to the snout of the Carbon Glacier; the lowest elevation glacier terminus in the lower 48 states. But beware of rocks falling from the glacier snout. Do not approach the glacier unless you are looking for thrills. I have seen many groups do stupid things here. The trail starts from Ipsut Creek Campground, one of parks most popular auto campgrounds, in deep woods along side Carbon River. Unfortunately, the campground has not had much access over the last decade. It does still make for a good group backpacking trip.

Carbon River Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles from campground
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet from campground
Access Rating: Paved to park entrance, good gravel to camp
Take State Route 410 to Buckley. Turn right onto SR 165. Proceed to the bridge over the Carbon River Gorge and then bear left to Mount Rainier National Park's Carbon River Entrance. The road beyond is closed in winter and if it is washed out.
Access:
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The trail currently begins at the Carbon River entrance because flooding keeps taking out a huge section of road. This adds 5 miles to the trip. After reaching Ipsut Creek Campground, the first three miles of the trail maintains a gentle uphill grade as it parallels the Carbon River. The trail passes side trails up to Ipsut Pass (you are now on the Wonderland Trail) and another trail to Seattle Park just before the bridge. Turn right after crossing the bridge and not much further is the snout of the glacier.
Route:
Mount Rainier NP
carbon bridge carbon river bridge Carbon River Road Carbon Glacier Carbon River Suspension Bridge Suspension Bridge carbon river carbon river Carbon Glacier Cataract Creek Carbon Glacier Trail Map
Carbon River road map carbon glacier climber Crossing the Carbon Cataract Creek Carbon Trail
Cataract Creek crossing
Crossing the Carbon River at the north crossing loop option
Bridge in December
Carbon River Road in winter
Looking down valley from the Carbon Trail
Cataract Creek crossing
Somebody up on the glacier
The Carbon Glacier from the bridge
Under the bridge
The Carbon Glacer from the bridge
Looking down valley from the bridge
Carbon River Suspension Bridge
Terminus of the Carbon Glacier
Crossing the Carbon River Suspension Bridge